Done and Done

Well Nashville was a damn blast but we’re happy to be home. The 1/2 marathon was absolutely awesome and it really got me pumped to get running again. You’d think it would be the other way around but since we didn’t train I had been out of the running loop.

We hit up the expo Friday afternoon and bought a bunch of goodies. I had never run with a hat before but it was supposed to be raining for the run so I figured why not. Len got that awesome shirt and we both got socks.

Marathon day started REALLY early. The race was scheduled to start at 7 am but started 15 minutes earlier due to a serious tornado warning/thunderstorms and lightening/rain. Since there wasn’t any prior notice about an early start, people were running for the start line after the race had already begun. I felt SO bad for them. Unfortunately the bad weather kicked in about 3 hours into the race so many marathoners had to be rerouted and could only get 22 out of the 26.2 miles in. There were many disappointed faces.

Here we are bright and early in the hotel lobby ready to go.

sister, me, bf

I can’t begin to express how much I enjoyed this race. There were over 25,000 runners and we always had tons of people in front of us and behind us. It makes such a difference to be surrounded by a sea of energy. There were also TONS of spectators. People were handing out cut up fruit, candy, DOUGHNUTS, beer, and other things throughout the course. I had 2 Boston Creams. I kid. There were different bands at every mile and lots of things to look at, like Melissa from The Biggest Loser!! (P.S. I beat her.)

Len and I didn’t have a great time (2.30) because we did a lot of speed walking. There were also lots of hills. Work that booty! Despite the bad time, I felt really strong the entire time and felt like I could have continued on (though I was happy to not have to). I think boot camp was better training then the actual training plans I’ve followed in the past. My sister on the other hand smoked the race and finished in 1.53. I’m so proud of her. She’s totally addicted and wants to run another one soon. We’re going to sign up for the Rock & Roll half marathon in Philly. This race set the standard pretty high so I hope the others measure up.

Recovery has been pretty easy for me, despite some black and blue toenails. Len is another story; he’s hobbling around like he just shit out a hippopotamus. Hehe, poor bastard.

As far as Nashville goes… not so impressed. To be fair, we didn’t do any tourist type activities because of the horrible weather on Saturday. We did indulge in some seriously good food the entire weekend though. No bingeing but lots of deliciousness. We made sure to taste some southern grub such as sweet potato biscuits.

And peach cobbler

And make your own ice creams…

captain crunch, cookie dough, marshmallows and chocolate cherry soft serve

So maybe that doesn’t count as southern tradition but whatever.

You should know that I bailed on the tattoo situations so I came back ink free.

Check out this awesome shirt my sis bought me–” Bottle of Wine = 437 Cal 5 Miles.”

Besides running and eating, we did a lot of lounging…

Relaxing at a restaurant called Cabana.

My super fast sister and me

Today we drove out to Franklin and hung out at this huge street fair. It was nice to explore life outside of Nashville.

On our way home we got stuck riding in the smallest plane ever. My head literally hit the ceiling and it was very bumpy. We got back about an hour ago and it’s 12:40 am. WAY past my bedtime.. We’ll see if I actually make it to booty tomorrow.

Night!